In an old city, there was a Toy Shop. It was located in a basement, and you had to go down four steps to reach the door. However, the shop window was easily visible from the sidewalk, and there was never a day that someone did not stop to look at it.
One day, it might be filled with bright balloons that resembled great colored lights; and the next day, it showcased jumping-jacks. Sometimes, a toy farm with a little red house, trees, horses, cows, and chickens were set out on the window shelf. On other occasions, white woolly sheep stood amidst green-paper grass, or a long line of comical yellow ducks-on-wheels might be on display.
Regardless of how the window was decorated, it was as pretty as a picture in a storybook. Anyone who saw it immediately felt the urge to step into the shop.
A little old lady with silvery hair and pleasant twinkling eyes managed the Toy Shop, and all the children affectionately called her the Toy-Lady. They were great friends with her, as they believed nobody knew more about toys than she did.
The Toy-Lady could spin tops, run toy trains, blow up balloons, and play on the doll pianos. She also had an in-depth understanding of children’s preferences. If someone asked her, “What would you buy for a little boy?” or “What do you think would please a little girl?” she could offer the perfect suggestions.
Everybody enjoyed buying toys from her, and whoever went to the Toy Shop once was almost sure to go again.
Credits
Maud Lindsay was an American children's author active in the late 19th and early 20th century, best known for her gentle, imaginative stories written for young readers. "The Toy Shop" reflects her talent for finding warmth and wonder in everyday settings, bringing to life a small corner of an old city with quiet charm and careful detail.
